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When I saw my colleague Jonas' story on the Facebook group 'That's It, I'm Inkshaming', I realized that for every good tattoo, there must be at least two terrible ones. And it didn't take long for me to find proof that I'm probably not that far off.

Turns out, there's a subreddit called 'Bad Tattoos' and it's filled with the worst designs to have ever been inked on the human body. Whether we're talking about cringy concepts or lines that look like they were done by a two-year-old, you can't help but feel sorry for the people who have to "wear" them.

I wonder how many people have asked if they're permanent!

#1

Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist's Work - Nipple Tattooed On His Arm

Some Guy Tried To Copy My Tattoo Artist's Work - Nipple Tattooed On His Arm

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#2

Terrifying

Terrifying

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To learn more about underwhelming tattoos and how to avoid them, we contacted tattoo artists Adam Grant of Gypsystables Tattoo and Josh Young of Highwater Gallery.

The process of inking your skin begins with homework; if you haven't researched your tattoo artist or studio, you've already made a mistake.

"In my opinion, what causes a tattoo to be 'bad' is perhaps not enough research," Josh Young told Bored Panda. "Nowadays, there is such an extensive range of different styles by such a huge variety of tattooists, and so you have to go to the best artist suited for the type of tattoo you are after."

#4

"What Angle Do You Want The Plane From?" "All Of Them"

"What Angle Do You Want The Plane From?" "All Of Them"

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"So many times customers have complained to me about bad work they have had done by tattooists who were ill-fitted for the type of tattoo they wanted, and so I try to encourage them to do some research and actively seek out the best for the job," Young explained.

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"You wouldn't go to a carpenter to fix your boiler so why would you go to a black and grey realism artist and expect a traditional tattoo? Unless you go to an artist who excels at all styles, do some research, find out who specializes in what, and you more than likely won't be having any bad tattoos."

#7

Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem

Friend On Facebook Seems Proud Of This Gem

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#8

Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself

Friend Bought A Tattoo Gun On Amazon For £100. Tattooed Darth Vader On Himself

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#9

I Think It’s Eye-Catching

I Think It’s Eye-Catching

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Andy Williams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and he even has to keep that regretful expression for you to know what it is

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However, we must keep in mind that everyone's entitled to their own taste. Adam Grant, for example, thinks that if a particular design is tattooed well, then it's only bad as a matter of opinion.

"What makes any tattoo bad are things that show straight away that the 'artist' has little to no training in tattooing," Grand explained. "Wobbly lines, forgotten elements, overworking the skin, and blowouts are all things to look out for. Safe hygiene standards are an absolute must. Make sure you go to a professional by checking online reviews and their body of work on social media."

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#13

The Concept Looked So Promising

The Concept Looked So Promising

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Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything is wrong but.... the Shrek ears! The lion reminds me of that bad taxidermy lion.

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Young also added that if you are getting tattoos from your friend in his apartment from a two-bit machine he bought from Wish, that will also probably end up being a bad tattoo. "Stop that. Please," he said.

But if you aren't happy with the tattoo you already have, there are still a few things you can do.

"Firstly, don't go back to the artist who did it," Young advised. "A lot of customers I know have complained about work they have had from someone else, and yet, have returned to them for more, expecting a different outcome—that doesn't make sense."

"Secondly, there is always a cover-up option. Again, do some research, find a tattooist who specializes in coverups or at least a tattooist who has some experience in doing it. Not all artists can cover work, and not all bad work can be covered, so you need to find the right tattoo artist for the job."

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#14

Playboy Can't Wait To Go To The Beach To Show It Off

Playboy Can't Wait To Go To The Beach To Show It Off

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Mavis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess they figured out that they couldn't have the tail emerging between his legs lol.

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#16

It Looks Like A Lawsuit

It Looks Like A Lawsuit

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Jubum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, on to the happy guessing. What the hell are we looking at here?

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GoddessOdd
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is Popeye's amputated and flayed arm, clutching some spinach with his final reflex.

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T.R. (she/her)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to OP on Reddit, this is a “personal interpretation of a Tree of Life”. I’m… not even sure what that means, honestly XD

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Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I….I don’t know what this is. I think the sea anemone is the best guess.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like ginger root that fell on a floor covered in dog hair.

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FleurTangClan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this interpretation from Reddit: Harry Potter reference? Looks like a snake at the lower left, into a passage of some sort? Phoenix in the middle, on.... a shitty womping willow? I don't even know what to say about the purple person who looks like they're swimming Ohhh, yes, I think we have a winner! The secret tunnel under the womping willow with Fawkes flying overhead while Ron (with his broken leg) is dragged into the tree. 🤣

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arcanarama
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Despite the electroencephalogram and below knee amputation being scheduled the same day, Alice fled the hospital against medical advice. Still heavily sedated, Alice just couldn’t be late for the prom.

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O.M.Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the rising phoenix tattooed on an esophagus growing out of a fern

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CammyCat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s different colored birds or something in the brown part

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Mimi M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did a Google Image search and came up with 'temporary tattoo'. I'll bet she wishes it was!

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Holly Benedict
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohhhhhhh i see it.... A willow tree and the Pocahontas song Paint with all the Colors of the Wind ... I'll take my pictionary trophy now

vv avatar
V V
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like a cannon getting over grown by some strange weeping willow/palm tree nightmare

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Kim Bush
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the poor girl sat for hours to get this "whatever it is"... It covers practically her entire back

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Edurne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's a tree... no, it's a woman.. no, it's a beetroot...

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Just me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really struggle to comprehend...it's not working, still have no clue??

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Cee Sparrow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A tree stump wearing a peacock-style wig, and a reddish -orange scarf, and a vacuum hose at the bottom.

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. This is on her back, permanently. Unless she wants to trade it for laser removal scars.

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Jubum
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has anyone noticed that this woman has a rather oddly shaped arm?Edit: Oh how stupid I am! That's her back!

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#17

Christopher Walken Or Steve Buscemi? And Why Is He Green?

Christopher Walken Or Steve Buscemi? And Why Is He Green?

SydWashedBrain Report

Then, of course, there's the laser. Adam Grant said that if a touch-up can't remedy your disappointment, a trip to getting zapped is basically your last option.

"If the tattoo was executed as discussed but you don't like it afterward, then unfortunately, that's just tough luck," he explained. "If it was done how it was discussed beforehand, then the tattoo was done as asked."

#19

A Buddy Of Mine Has A Friend Who Gave Himself This In 8th Grade

A Buddy Of Mine Has A Friend Who Gave Himself This In 8th Grade

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Sarah K
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a conversation starter though!! I like it. It has a primitive feel, like a cave painting or a tree carving-it really makes me feel at one with nature. You don't have to squint at it and say, what is it? It says what it is. It is FOX. And can't we all agree with that message? I'm gonna 10/10 approve this one.

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All of this might sound too tedious for a tattoo, but sitting down in the chair having done the preparation is way better than spontaneously popping into a studio.

One study found that 3 out of 4 people with "tattoo regret" didn't plan for the tattoo beyond a few weeks.

#22

Facebook Delivered. Originally Thought The "Talons" Were Fidget Spinners

Facebook Delivered. Originally Thought The "Talons" Were Fidget Spinners

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#24

The Incredible Hulk - His Face Gets Me Every Time

The Incredible Hulk - His Face Gets Me Every Time

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"If you are indecisive even up until the day of a tattoo, then don't get one," Adam Grant said.

"Wait until you feel comfortable with altering your body. Once you're tattooed, it's done. There's no rewind. The only remaining options are to remove it or cover it up. It's a tattoo, not a haircut so be sure about what you want and who you're getting it from."

#26

How? Why?

How? Why?

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#27

Spotted This On My Facebook Feed

Spotted This On My Facebook Feed

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#28

If Only Their Familey Had Warned Them

If Only Their Familey Had Warned Them

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#29

My Roommate Got Mad When I Laughed, Am I In The Wrong?

My Roommate Got Mad When I Laughed, Am I In The Wrong?

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"Don't stand for the ego, don't get tattooed through intimidation or being made to feel uncomfortable, and don't go to someone just because they are 'the best,'" Josh Young said. "There are horror stories of tattoo artists out there who are horrific to be tattooed by and yet people still go to them purely because they have a large number of followers; the tattoo artist should be doing everything to make it the best tattoo experience for you."

"Don't rush into getting any work done, you will always end up enjoying and appreciating your tattoo more if you have thought carefully about it, and you have gone to the right tattooist for the job."

Plus, it's not uncommon to feel some regret immediately after getting a tattoo; after all, we get used to seeing our body a certain way, and when it all of a sudden changes, that can cause a little bit of anxiety. Give it a few days or weeks, maybe you'll grow into it!

#30

Okay, Buddy, Okay

Okay, Buddy, Okay

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Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

‘Veni, vidi, vici.’ I came, I saw, I conquered. As a comment it always struck Vimes as a bit too pat. It wasn’t the sort of thing you came up with on the spur of the moment, was it? It sounded as if he had worked it out. He’d probably spent long evenings in his tent, looking up in the dictionary short words beginning with V and trying them out…Veni, vermini, vomui, I came, I got ratted, I threw up? Visi, veneri, vamoosi, I visited, I caught an embarrassing disease, I ran away? It must have been a big relief to come up with three short acceptable words. He probably made them up first, and then went off to see somewhere and conquer it. — Jingo, Terry Pratchett

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Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.